Extendable rearview mirror

ABSTRACT

An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis. In yet another embodiment, the means for extending the mirror from an inboard position to an outboard position comprises a groove in the mirror housing, in which a mirror frame is slidably disposed. The frame may be slid, relative to the mirror housing, from an inboard position to an outboard position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an exterior rearview mirrorassembly for a vehicle including a mirror which can be extended from anormal viewing position adjacent the vehicle to an outboard position forimproved rearward viewing.

[0002] Exterior rearview mirror assemblies are typically used on allmotor vehicles. Adjustable or extendable exterior, side-mounted rearviewmirrors are also known in the art. Extendable mirrors provide improvedrearward viewing, for example, when the vehicle is towing a trailer,camper or other towed item. These mirror assemblies typicallyincorporate a mounting bracket which extends from an exterior panel of avehicle. In one prior art example, a rearview mirror is positioned onthe mounting bracket and can be extended to an outboard location byloosening a fastener and sliding the mirror outwardly for improvedviewing. In another prior art example, a rearview mirror is positionedon an extension bracket located on a mounting bracket which can berotated about a vertical axis to an outboard location for improvedviewing.

[0003] However, such rearview mirror assemblies have certain problems,particularly with respect to the mounting brackets. These rearviewmirror assemblies, especially those incorporating an extended mountingbracket, experience a great deal of vibration during operation of thevehicle. The mount structure used in the prior art mirrors are not ableto withstand this vibration and, therefore, display a great deal ofshaking in the mirror image during the operation of the vehicle.

[0004] Another problem in the prior art is the difficulty an operatorexperiences is adjusting the rearview mirror between an inboard andoutboard position. An operator may only wish to use the outboardposition temporarily, and it is important to allow easy and quickmovement between the two positions. The prior art has not be able tosuccessfully provide a extendable rearview mirror assembly that iseasily moved between inboard and outboard positions and still able towithstand the vibration experienced by such assemblies during operationof the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one feature of this invention, a mirror is extended laterallyoutward from an inboard position to an outboard position where asecondary mirror surface is exposed, thereby providing improved lateralrearward viewing. In the inboard position, the secondary mirror surfaceis concealed behind the mirror and mirror frame in a mirror housing. Themirror assembly comprises structure to allow easy movement of the mirrorand mirror frame laterally outward relative to a mirror housing from theinboard to the outboard position. The structure provides a secure mountat either position.

[0006] In other features of this invention, a mirror and at least aportion of a mirror housing are rotatable about a longitudinalhorizontal axis which runs through the plane of the mirror. Thelongitudinal horizontal axis is offset from a central vertical axis ofthe mirror. Rotation of the mirror about the horizontal axis moves themirror relative to the vehicle between inboard and outboard positionsi.e., thereby providing improved lateral rearward vision to the operatorof the vehicle. Again, the mount structure allows easy movement andprovides a secure mount.

[0007] In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the extendablerearview mirror assembly includes a mirror shell having a post alignedwith a longitudinal horizontal pivot axis offset from a central verticalaxis of a mirror. The mirror is rotatably mounted in a mirror framewhich is rotatably spring-loaded onto the post. The mirror frame is thusbiased against the mirror shell for improved stability. The mirror framehas detents defining, inboard and outboard positions, which areselectively received in a notch disposed in the mirror shell. In a mostpreferred embodiment, the mirror shell also has a reflective surfacelocated behind the mirror and mirror frame in the inboard position,which is exposed when the mirror and mirror frame are rotated to anoutboard position.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the mirrorassembly includes a mirror shell which has a slot or groove running thehorizontal length of the mirror shell. A pivot cap and pivot member aresecurely mounted onto a post which is attached to an exterior panel of avehicle. The groove of the mirror shell is received on the post. Thepivot member is rotatably spring-loaded into the mirror shell. Thespring loading of the pivot member in the mirror shell biases the mirrorshell against the post for improved vibrational stability. An operatorof the vehicle is able to quickly and easily rotate the mirror andmirror shell about a longitudinal horizontal axis defined by the centralaxis of the pivot member. The mirror and mirror shell are rotated aboutthe horizontal axis by pulling the mirror shell away from the post,thereby removing the post from the groove or slot, and rotating themirror shell 180° to an outboard position. The groove is received on thepost at this location and the spring loading biases the mirror shellagainst the post to provide stability.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the mirrorassembly includes a mirror disposed in a mirror frame, which is slidablebetween inboard and outboard positions. The mirror frame is disposed ina mirror housing having a secondary mirror surface, which is concealedbehind the mirror and mirror frame in the inboard position, but exposedin the outboard position, thereby providing improved rearward viewing.The mirror frame is disposed in a groove in the mirror housing with aplate biasing the mirror frame in the groove to provide a secure mountfor the mirror and mirror frame during operation of the vehicle.

[0010] These and other features of the present invention will be bestunderstood from the following specification and drawings, of which thefollowing is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rearview mirror assembly inaccordance with the invention herein;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1along line 2-2;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1with the mirror in an extended position;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative rearview mirrorassembly in accordance with the invention herein;

[0016]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative mirrorassembly of FIG. 5;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 5along line 7-7;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative rearviewmirror assembly in accordance with the invention herein;

[0019]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative mirrorassembly of FIG. 8;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 8along line 10-10; and

[0021]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 8with the mirror in an extended position.

[0022]FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of an inventive mirror which isparticularly useful in original equipment applications.

[0023]FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the FIG. 12 embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through the FIG. 12 embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0025]FIG. 1 illustrates a novel rearview mirror assembly 20 which canbe rotated between an inboard position and an extended, outboardposition. The outboard position provides better viewing when the vehicleis pulling a trailer, camper or other towed item. The construction ofthe mirror assembly, particularly the mounting of the mirror and mirrorframe in the mirror housing of the mirror assembly, is secure andresists typical vibrational forces exerted on rearview mirror assembliesduring operation of the vehicle. Therefore, the rearview mirror assembly20 provides improved rearward viewing without distortion in the mirrorimage.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the rearview mirror assembly 20 includes anattachment member 22 for mounting a mirror shell 24 to an exterior panelof a vehicle. A mirror 26 is centrally mounted on a mirror frame 28which is received in mirror shell 24. A mounting post 30 extends along alongitudinal horizontal axis of the mirror shell 24 which is laterallyoffset from the central vertical axis C of the mirror shell 24. Themirror frame 28 is mounted on post 30 and held in place by nut 34, whichis received over and fixed to post 30. As shown, there is slightclearance between post 30 and frame 28 such that frame 28 may rotaterelative to post 30. Alternatively, the two may be fixed for commonrotation. Spring 32, with nut or retainer ring 34, biases mirror frame28 rearwardly against a plate or backing 44, which is fixed to mirrorshell 24. Mirror frame 28 includes detents 40 and 41, one of which isselectively received in a notch 42 disposed in backing 44 and the otherof which is received in notch 43. Backing 44 may preferably contain areflective mirror surface 46, which provides additional rearward viewingfor an operator of the vehicle when the mirror 26 is in the outboardposition.

[0027] In an inboard position, a lateral edge 36 of mirror 26 isdisposed adjacent the vehicle, detent 41 is received in notch 42, detent40 is received in notch 43, and mirror surface 46 remains unexposedbehind the lateral edge 36 of mirror 26 and mirror frame 24. The mirrorframe 28 and mirror 26 are disposed in the mirror shell 24 such that thecircumference of the mirror frame 28 is aligned with the circumferenceof the mirror shell 24. The spring 32 biases mirror frame 28 rearwardlyagainst backing 44, thereby maintaining the mirror frame 28 and mirror26 in its inboard position and resisting vibrational forces on themirror. The mirror frame 24, and hence mirror 26, can be rotated aboutthe central axis of the post 30 to an outboard position, which is shownin phantom lines in FIG. 1, as described below.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, in an outboard position, the lateral edge 36of mirror 26 is disposed remote from the vehicle, detent 40 is receivedin notch 42, detent 41 is received in notch 43, and mirror surface 46 isexposed for additional rearward viewing. The mirror 26 defines a plane.The mirror 26 and mirror frame 28 rotate about a longitudinal horizonalaxis which extends through the mirror plane, and is generallyperpendicular to the plane of the mirror In this embodiment, the centralaxis of the post 30 defines the longitudinal horizontal axis whichtravels through the plane of the mirror about which the mirror 26rotates. Preferably, the longitudinal horizontal axis is disposed midwaybetween the central vertical axis and the outer lateral edge 38 of themirror frame.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the operator of the vehicle can easily andquickly rotate the mirror from an inboard to an outboard position forimproved rearward viewing. First, the operator of the vehicle pulls themirror frame 28 and mirror 26 outwardly along the longitudinalhorizontal axis to move detent 41 outwardly from notch 42 and detent 40out of notch 43. This is shown in phantom line in FIG. 2. Mirror frame28 and mirror 26 are then rotated 180° about the central axis of thepost 30. The spring 32 biases mirror frame 28 back rearwardly againstmirror shell 24. In an outboard position, a lateral edge 36 of themirror 26 and mirror frame 28, previously adjacent the vehicle, isdisposed in a position remote from the vehicle. The distal or outer (inthe inboard position) lateral edge of the mirror 38 is rotated 180° to aposition adjacent the vehicle. Detent 40 is now disposed in notch 42,and detent 41 is now disposed in notch 43. At the outboard position, themirror assembly 20 provides additional rearward viewing to an operatorof a vehicle by positioning the mirror farther laterally outwardly thanit was in the inboard position. This outboard position is particularlyhelpful when the operator of a vehicle is pulling a trailer, camper orother towed item. Because of the mounting design, mirror 26 and mirrorframe 28 are securely biased against the mirror shell 24. The mirrorassembly 20 is thus able to resist the vibrational forces typicallyexperienced by a rearview mirror assembly during operation of thevehicle.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, an alternative rearview mirror assembly 60,which may be particularly useful in a heavy truck or camper-typevehicle, includes an L-shaped post 62 which has a lateral portion thatattaches to the side of a vehicle 50 and a horizontal portion thatattaches to mirror shell 66. A mirror 64 is centrally mounted on mirrorshell 66 in any known manner. In this alternative embodiment, theoperator of vehicle 50 is able to easily and quickly rotate the entiremirror 64 and mirror shell 66 from an inboard position to an outboardposition (shown in phantom lines) to provide improved rearward viewing.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, mirror shell 66 contains a slot or groove 68which runs the length of the mirror shell 66, and includes a pivot slot70. Preferably, groove 68 is triangular in cross-section, thus providingtwo contact lines, even if there is dirt on post 62 or in groove 68.Slot 70 receives pivot member 72. Pivot member 72 has a shaft 74 whichis axially received in bore 76 of pivot slot 70. Pivot member 72 isrotatably mounted in pivot slot 70 by sliding shaft 74 through aperture76. Coil spring 78 and retainer ring 80 are axially received from themirror side of mirror shell 66 onto shaft 74 of pivot member 72. Pivotmember 72 also includes a channel 82 on the opposed end to shaft 74which is received on a portion of post 62. Channel 82 is aligned withgroove 68 such that post 62 is received in both. Pivot cap 84 also has achannel 86, which, together with channel 82, secures the pivot assemblyon post 62. Pivot cap 84 and pivot member 72 are securely mounted ontopost 62 with screws 88.

[0032] A pair of alternative grooves 68 a allow further rotationpositions for the mirror. When post 62 is received in grooves 68 a, themirror will extend generally vertically, thus protecting the mirror.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, post 62 is disposed between pivot member 72and pivot cap 84 in channels 82 and 86. Post 62 is also disposed in slotor groove 68 for a substantial length of the horizontal portion of post62. Because pivot member 72 is spring loaded onto mirror shell 66 byspring washer 78 and retainer ring 80, and pivot member 72 is securelymounted onto post 62, the mirror shell 66 is biased against post 62 withgroove 68 received on post 62, along the horizontal length of mirrorshell 66. The biasing of mirror assembly 60 against post 62, allows themirror assembly to resist the vibrational forces typically experiencedby mirror assemblies during operation of the vehicle.

[0034] The pivot axis of the mirror assembly 60 is aligned with thecentral axis of the pivot cap 84, pivot member 72 and pivot slot 70,which travels through the plane defined by mirror 64. This axis definesa longitudinal horizontal axis about which the mirror rotates and islaterally off-set from the central vertical axis C (see FIG. 6) of themirror shell 66 and mirror 64. The mirror 64 and mirror shell 66 can beselectively rotated between inboard and outboard positions about thelongitudinal horizontal axis. In the inboard position of the mirrorassembly 60, a lateral edge 90 (see FIG. 5) of the mirror shell 66 isdisposed adjacent the vehicle and the post 62 is disposed in groove orslot 68. When, for example, an operator is pulling a trailer, theoperator may rotate the mirror shell 66 and mirror 64 to an outboardposition by, first, pulling the mirror shell 66 and mirror 64 along thelongitudinal horizontal axis defining the pivot axis away from post 62,thereby displacing post 62 from groove 68. Then, the mirror shell 66 andmirror 64 are rotated 180°, until post 62 is again aligned with groove68. Mirror shell 66 is then released and biased back to position themirror shell 66 against the post 62 in an outboard position.

[0035] Because the pivot axis is offset from the central vertical axisof the mirror shell 66 and mirror 64, the outer edge (90 a in FIG. 5) ofthe mirror shell 66 and mirror 64 is now disposed farther outwardly thanthe lateral remote edge 92 of the mirror 64 and mirror shell 66 in theinboard position. Preferably, the longitudinal horizontal axis isdisposed midway between the central vertical axis and the outer lateraledge 92 of the mirror shell 66.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, another alternative rearview mirror assembly100 comprises a mirror 102 disposed in a mirror frame 104 which can beextended from an inboard position to an outboard position to provideimproved lateral rearward viewing to the operator of a vehicle. Themirror assembly 100 includes a mirror housing comprising a shell 106 anda rim 108 which form a groove 110. The mirror frame 104 is disposed ingroove 110 and is slidable between an inboard position and an outboardposition (shown in phantom lines).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, the mirror assembly 100 also includes anattachment member 112 (e.g., a post) which attaches the mirror housingto an exterior panel of a vehicle. At the other end, post 112 slidesinto sleeve 113 disposed in mirror shell 106 and is securely attachedthereto to resist the vibrational forces experienced by the mirrorassembly 100 during operation of the vehicle. Alternatively, the mountmight extend through a bottom opening 113 a, depending on the vehicle.Mirror assembly 100 also includes spring plate 120 and bracket 122 whichare disposed in mirror shell 106. Bracket 122 is received on bosses 123disposed in mirror shell 106 and over sleeve 113. Bracket 122 issecurely fixed in mirror shell 106 by tightening self-tapping screws 125into bosses 123 in mirror shell 106. Bracket 122 contains a channel 126which receives sleeve 113 and also contains posts 127, which receive andsupport spring plate 120. Plate 120 is securely attached to bracket 122by heat staking the end posts 127 in openings 129 in plate 120.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 10, mirror frame 104 contains a detent 114disposed in a lateral edge adjacent the vehicle which is received innotch 116 of rim 108 when the rearview mirror assembly 100 is in theinboard position. The detent 114 and notch 116 are biased into themirror frame 104 at the inboard position and prevent the mirror frame104 from sliding out of the inboard position without a predeterminedpulling force being applied to the mirror frame 104. A reflective mirrorsurface 115 is disposed in mirror shell 106 adjacent the vehicle andconcealed behind mirror frame 104 in an inboard position.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 11, mirror frame 104 also contains a stop 118which prevents the mirror frame from completely sliding out of groove110 and housing 106 when a pulling force is applied to the mirror frame104. When a pulling force is applied to mirror frame 104 detent 114rides out of notch 116 from an inboard position toward an outboardposition, until stop 118 prevents further movement of mirror frame 104.Spring plate 120, which is attached to bracket 122, provides a biasforce against mirror frame 104 to provide a secure mount at eitherposition.

[0040] It is envisioned that the inventive mirrors could be providedwith an adjustment motor by having the motor push against the mirrorshell, rather than the mirror plate. In such an embodiment, the mirrorwould be mounted to the vehicle such that movement of the entire mirrorshell relative to its mounting bracket would be affected to adjustmirror positioning.

[0041] Another embodiment 150 as shown in FIG. 12, and is particularlyuseful in original equipment applications. The outer housing 152 has amirror surface 154 and pivots relative to an inner housing 158. A secondmirror surface 156 is provided behind the outer housing 152, such thatwhen the outer housing 152 is in its extended position the second mirrorsurface 156 is visible. The vehicle body 160 mounts the inner housing158 in any known fashion.

[0042]FIG. 13 is a rear view of the mirror embodiment 150, showing theouter housing 152 in its extended position. The inner housing 158carries a reflector 152. A second reflector 164 may be mounted on theouter housing 152.

[0043]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through the embodiment 150. Asshown, the outer housing 152 has pivoted relative to the inner housing158. The outer housing 152 may carry a generally cylindrical boss 165which is mounted in a cylindrical member 167, fixed to the housing 158.The boss 165 rotates in the member 167, and defines an axis of rotationfor the outer housing 152. O-rings 157 may seal between member 167 andboss 165. As in the earlier embodiments, this axis of rotation is offcenter relative to the center of the mirror 154, and thus by pivotingthe outer housing 152 one achieves the extended position as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13.

[0044] A motor power pack 166 is provided which may adjust the mirrorsurface 154 as is known. Power packs having the ability to adjust themirrors are incorporated in many vehicles, and may be of conventionalstructure and function.

[0045] The boss 165 may be provided with gear teeth 169 at a portion ofits outer periphery. A gear 168 may be driven by a motor 170 such thatthe housing 152 may be power driven between its inboard and outboardpositions. Alternatively, this embodiment may also be manually movedbetween the inboard and outboard positions. A retainer clip and springcombination 154 are secured on an end 174 of the boss 165, and biasesthe boss 165 against an inner ledge 175 of the cylindrical member 167.This thus secures the outer housing 152 within the inner-housing 158.

[0046] A preferred description of this invention has been disclosed;however, a worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize thatcertain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. Forthat reason, the following claims should be studied in order todetermine the true scope and content of this invention.

I/we claim:
 1. An extendable rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle,comprising: a mirror housing; a first mirror disposed in a mirror frame;a second mirror disposed in said mirror housing; and structure forallowing movement of said first mirror and mirror frame, relative tosaid mirror housing, from an inboard position to an outboard position;said second mirror concealed behind said first mirror at said inboardposition and exposed in said outboard position thereby providingimproved lateral rearward viewing to an operator of said vehicle.
 2. Therearview mirror assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising ameans for biasing said mirror and mirror frame against said mirrorhousing in said inboard and outboard positions, thereby minimizingvibration and distortion in a mirror image in said mirror.
 3. Therearview mirror assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said structurefor allowing movement of said first mirror and mirror frame comprises agroove in said mirror housing and said mirror frame being slidablydisposed in said groove.
 4. The rearview mirror assembly as recited inclaim 1, said structure for allowing movement of said mirror and mirrorframe comprising a post disposed in said housing along a longitudinalhorizontal axis, wherein said mirror frame being rotatably disposed onsaid post, said mirror defining a plane, and said horizontal axisextending through the plane of said mirror, offset from a centralvertical axis of said mirror.
 5. An extendable rearview mirror assemblyfor a vehicle comprising: a mirror housing; a mirror disposed in saidmirror housing, said mirror defining a plane; and structure for allowingrotation of said mirror about a longitudinal horizontal axis whichextends perpendicularly through the plane of said mirror.
 6. Therearview mirror assembly as recited in claim 5, further comprising ameans for biasing said mirror against said mirror housing to lock saidmirror at said inboard and outboard positions.
 7. The rearview mirrorassembly as recited in claim 6, wherein said mirror rotates betweeninboard and outboard positions are disposed 180° apart from each otheraround said horizontal axis.
 8. The rearview mirror assembly as recitedin claim 5, wherein said horizontal axis is disposed between a centralvertical axis and a lateral outer edge of said mirror shell.
 9. Anextendable rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a mirrorhousing comprising a shell and a rim forming therebetween a groove; afirst mirror disposed in a mirror frame, said mirror frame disposed insaid groove and slidable between an inboard position and an outboardposition; a second mirror disposed in said mirror housing; and a meansfor biasing said mirror frame and first mirror against said mirrorhousing; said second mirror concealed behind said first mirror when saidmirror frame is in said inboard position and exposed when said mirrorframe is in said outboard position thereby providing improved lateralrearward viewing to an operator of said vehicle.
 10. The rearview mirrorassembly as recited in claim 9, said biasing means comprising a bracketdisposed in said housing adjacent and behind said mirror frame and firstmirror, wherein said bracket applies a force against said mirror frameto bias said mirror frame in said groove.
 11. The rearview mirrorassembly as recited in claim 9, said mirror frame having a detent alongthe lateral edge thereof adjacent the vehicle and said rim having a slotalong the lateral edge thereof adjacent the vehicle, wherein, in saidinboard position, said detent is received in said slot, thereby biasingsaid mirror assembly in said inboard position.
 12. The rearview mirrorassembly as recited in claim 11, said mirror frame further comprising astop disposed on a rear face thereof remote from said first mirror,wherein said stop prevents said mirror frame from sliding out of saidgroove past said outboard position.